Reviewed by
Liz Simpson
High on a hill above an arc of golden sand lies this dazzling small resort of 42 villas, staggered up the slope to ensure maximum privacy and space for each. Clever landscaping has turned the rooftops into living gardens, so you gaze out across grasses and wild flowers rather than concrete, all the way to the glorious blue Aegean.
Ideal for romantics, groups of friends and families, Eagles Villas are a luxurious off-shoot of the Eagles Palace hotel at the bottom of the hill, both of which are part of the Small Luxury Hotel collection. Staying here means you get to use their impressive facilities (excellent kids clubs, 4 restaurants, a spa, endless watersports) but you might struggle to leave this exclusive enclave in the first place. Fantastic staff deserve a glowing review of their own, and the cocktail bar's terrace is perfectly positioned for spectacular sunsets. But it's the decor that really impressed us: bang on-trend, with designer chairs, huge potted palms, wicker and rattan, marine hues and high-spec everything. Upmarket and oh-so-Instagrammable...
Ideal for romantics, groups of friends and families, Eagles Villas are a luxurious off-shoot of the Eagles Palace hotel at the bottom of the hill, both of which are part of the Small Luxury Hotel collection. Staying here means you get to use their impressive facilities (excellent kids clubs, 4 restaurants, a spa, endless watersports) but you might struggle to leave this exclusive enclave in the first place. Fantastic staff deserve a glowing review of their own, and the cocktail bar's terrace is perfectly positioned for spectacular sunsets. But it's the decor that really impressed us: bang on-trend, with designer chairs, huge potted palms, wicker and rattan, marine hues and high-spec everything. Upmarket and oh-so-Instagrammable...
Highs
- Stunning panoramic sea views and very peaceful; ideal for unwinding from everyday stress
- Stylish villas loaded with little luxuries, in various sizes and configurations
- A blissful infinity pool, and heated indoor pool and gym, plus massages and beauty treatments
- Flexibility: you can eat at the excellent on-site restaurant, have meals delivered to your alfresco terrace, or wander down to the Eagles Palace restaurants
- Lots to do - sail to secluded coves, kayak with the kids and visit Byzantine monasteries
Lows
- All this luxury doesn't come cheap
- Not right on the beach, but there are golf carts to whizz you down there
- A 5-night minimum stay all season (April-October)
- A couple of the Eagles Palace restaurants are only open June-Sept
Best time to go
The villas are open April-October. The shoulder months of April, May, Sept and Oct are our favourite; nicely warm, but not too hot. If you're planning to come during school summer holidays, book well ahead and be mindful that it does get very hot and busy; late-August to early-September is a bit quieter, if you can come then.
Our top tips
Upmarket Kamares at Eagles Palace sounds divine for a special-occasion meal. Its gourmet-Greek flavours include stuffed squid with fennel and gruyere; cuttlefish ink pasta, then crispy baklava with pistachio ice cream. Book ahead.